Is my employer required to pay me for travel time?
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Is my employer required to pay me for travel time?
I am an hourly paid employee and am
being required to travel approximately
an hour’s drive away to attend a
training seminar. My supervisor said I
will not be compensated for my drive
time. Is this legal in Texas?
Asked on August 16, 2016 under Employment Labor Law, Texas
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
Typically, time spent commuting from home to an alternate work site within reasonable proximity to the office is not considered hours worked and therefore is not compensable. However, if the alternate work location is not within reasonable proximity to an employee’s home, then the travel time may be considered hours worked and accordingly the employee must be paid for such time. The question is, does an hour travel constitute compensable work time? The answer depends on the circumstances. For one thing, how long is your normal commute? If you travel 1/2 hour to the office, then traveling an additional 1/2 hour probably doesn't qualify for additional pay. To be certain of your rights, you can contact your state's departmment of labor for further information regarding our situation.
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